Thursday, February 20, 2014

February Topic: How much grain for a dairy goat?

While good quality forages are usually adequate, goats may sometimes need supplemental feeding, especially if they are producing high volumes of milk or during the winter. Goats need a proper balance of energy in the form of roughage or grain, as well as protein, vitamins, minerals, and clean water. Protein and energy requirements vary, depending on the type of goat and its stage of production. Dairy goats need both high-quality forage and supplemental grain to reach their full potential, especially during peak lactation or growth.

Goats can be picky eaters, and they may not immediately accept new feeds. Any feed changes should be made gradually to avoid upsetting the rumen microbes. Feeding very high levels of grain can also upset the rumen. Grain should never be more than 50% of the total diet, except for heavily-producing dairy goats. Table 2 gives guidelines for balancing protein requirements when utilizing pasture, hay and grain supplementation. Here are some general “rules of thumb” for supplementing lactating does:
  1. Start the doe on grain a month before kidding and have her consuming about 1.5 pounds of grain by the time she kids. This allows the rumen organisms to slowly adapt.
  2. After kidding, increase grain slowly to about 3 pounds per day by 4 weeks post-kidding.
  3. After peak lactation, feed according to milk production. Feed 0.5 pound of grain for every pound of milk over 3 pounds milk per day, along with good quality forage. For example, a goat producing 8 pounds a day would get all the good forage she could eat plus 2.5 pounds (8 – 3 = 5 lb. x 0.5 lb feed/lb milk) of grain, split into two feedings.
  4. Try not to feed a doe more than 4 pounds of grain per day (Smith, 1994).
For the complete article, please see:  http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/dairy/feed-and-nutrition/feeding-dairy-goats/?source=newslettergoat&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=February-20-Goat

3 comments:

  1. Powerful Herbal treatment is 100% guaranteed to cure Herpes Virus, The main reason why most people are finding it difficult to get cured from HSV 1&2 is because they believe on medical treatment, i want you to know that drugs and medical treatments is not helpful to cure HSV permanently but it can only help you control it but the truth is in life time it will still be inside your nervous system, But Natural roots/herbs are the best remedy which can easily eradicate herpes forever. I never believed it until I was helped and cured of my 10 months genital herpes with natural herbal medicines from Herbalist RAZOR . Where other medical prescribed drugs and The newly Produced Vaccine failed to permanently eradicate the Virus Herbalist Razor Natural herbal medicine helped me out. I am very much healthy and I waited for 3 weeks to make sure I was actually cured before Sharing my testimonies. I know their are so many CLOWNS out there, pretending to be a herbal doctor, But believe me HERBALIST RAZOR is The One TRUE HERBALIST who helped me, Visit His website  https://herbalistrazorherb.wixsite.com/drrazorherbalhome  .Reach herbalist Razor On email : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com . Whatsapp  + 2 3 4 9 0 6 5 4 2 0 4 4 2

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of theliver already present. I started on antiviral medications whichreduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virusbecame resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment fromULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com)) in March, 2020. Theirtreatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test afterthe 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazingtreatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) four years ago. For over two years, I relied on prescription medications and therapies, but unfortunately, the symptoms continued to worsen. My breathing became more laboured, and I experienced increasing fatigue and shortness of breath with even minimal activity.Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try an herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic.Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My breathing became easier, the tightness in my chest eased, and I felt more energetic and capable in my daily life. Incredibly, I also regained much of my stamina and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more like myself again, better than I’ve felt in years.If you or a loved one is struggling with IPF, I truly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www.naturepathherbalclinic.com their email info@naturepathherbalclinic.com

    ReplyDelete